Unabashed self-care came into the spotlight over the last year. It makes sense; spending so much time at home meant taking a good look at what gives you the right energy everyday.
And while it may seem arduous to have a lengthy, customised self-care routine (and sticking to it), there are a few simple actions you can do to care for yourself. Because at the core of it, self-care is about investing time into your mental and physical health, so you can live a life that benefits both you, and those around you.
Reconnect with the simple things in life with these self-care quick picks.
JUST BREATHE
Take a minute to stop, breathe and ground yourself. Try spending a few minutes in stillness and focus on your breath. This floods the body with good chemicals and oxygenates the brain, effectively signalling your mind to relax.
Grounding is a great way to relieve stress, it can be as simple as lying on the grass or going outside barefoot. This reconnects the body with the earth’s surface electrons which, might not sound like much but, is an incredibly powerful strategy for stabilising the electrical environment of all organs, tissues, and cells.
THE NATURAL MOOD BOOSTER
Sunlight has a lot of benefits for our bodies. It regulates our circadian rhythm for when it’s time to wake up and when it’s time to sleep. It causes our skin to create Vitamin D, which helps with calcium absorption, immune function, and protecting bone, muscle, and heart health.
And it boosts our levels of serotonin, the chemical that improves mood and helps to stay calm and focused. Pair with exercise and you’ve got a recipe to sleep better, feel better and handle daily stress with more ease. Go outside, breathe the fresh air, soak up the sun and clear the mind.
PICK UP THE PHONE
When it comes to boosting our mental wellbeing, a phone call can go a long way. Whether it’s an overdue catch up with a friend you haven’t spoken to in ages or checking in with the friend you saw just last week.
Opening up and verbalising how you’re doing acts as a release to help rebalance our emotions. You can literally do this anywhere, anytime. The only effort required involves picking up your phone and pressing that dial button.
SLEEP ENOUGH AND SLEEP WELL
It’s not a cliche, in fact it’s a must for happy living and a healthy body and mind. In essence, sleep is like a detox and fuel for the brain in one. It gives the mind time to recover and prepare for the day ahead by fostering mental and emotional resilience.
Help your body prepare for a deep, quality slumber by practising the same simple behaviours each night – having a shower or bath, lighting a candle and switching off from devices – in doing so, you’re psychologically training your brain to recognise it’s time for bed.
DO THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY
It’s the small things that might be the simplest form of self-care, but are the things that make you feel whole. Self-care is quite literally an act of self-love, and only you know what’s best for you.
Sinking into the couch and escaping into a movie that makes you laugh. The wave of calm from that first inhale of your favourite candle. Playing a feel-good song that brings back good memories. Wearing the outfit that makes you feel your best, no matter the mood. Sipping on a cup of tea and reading a book in bed.
In the end, it’s less about the ‘what’ and more about how it makes you feel. If it helps you to recenter, boost your mood and promote inner calmness, we’re all for it.
SMALL ACTIONS OF SELF-CARE OUR TEAM SWEARS BY
- Waking up at the same time everyday
- Making a playlist of your favourite songs
- Opening the windows and letting fresh air in
- Wearing makeup that makes you feel good
- Drinking lots of water and taking frequent breaks
- Taking a long walk while listening to a podcast
- Lighting a candle or burning incense
- Decluttering your home
- Emptying your mind through journaling
We’re here to help! If you have any questions after reading this article, please contact us.